In a world grappling with pressing environmental issues, artists are stepping up to inspire conversations and ignite change. From the vibrant cityscape of Singapore emerges Dorcas Tang Wen Yu, whose creative journey beautifully marries her artistic passion with her dedication to shedding light on climate change, biodiversity, and our intricate relationship with the natural world.
Drawing from her innate love for art and the solace of journaling, Dorcas has embarked on a transformative voyage. What began as an exploration of personal thoughts and stories evolved into a purposeful fusion of art and activism. Her intricate artwork and thought-provoking writing now serve as vehicles to convey vital messages about our environment. Join us as we delve into this insightful interview, exploring Dorcas’ inspirations, the potent role of eco-artistry, and her unyielding commitment to nurturing a more sustainable and harmonious planet for all.
Tell us about your creative journey. How did you become interested in art and writing?
Since young, I have always loved art as a way to express myself. I often journalled down my thoughts in order to understand them, and made up silly stories to help me get through chemistry classes. I had started a small art business at that time and decided to just insert a few pieces to spark conversation about the subject. Slowly, they started to gain attention, so I decided to transition into climate artivism because I realized that this was a good way to get the ball rolling.
A lot of things! I look to nature a lot to seek wisdom about the way the world works. My personal experiences, emotions, and other people’s personal stories help me to understand the world a lot better which translates into my artwork.
Through your artwork and writing you try to raise awareness on climate change, biodiversity, our connection with nature and so many more topics. When and why did you choose to focus on these themes/topics?
The more I learned about climate justice, the more I understand that this is a values issue. It’s not that we don’t know about climate change, but our systems are built such that we rarely have the mental capacity to think about it because we are constantly focused on surviving. Planetary, community, and self-care. All of these things are interconnected and I try to infuse these narratives into both the process and output of my art. Currently, there’s a disconnect between the way climate science is being communicated. So by touching on themes of care, and using whimsical imagery to get people’s attention, I hope to get people more emotionally invested in caring about the issue.
As an artist, what role do you think eco-artists and storytellers play in addressing climate change and promoting a sustainable lifestyle?
There are also many ways to engage the community through art, not just in communications. I like to think of it in terms of the head, heart, and the soul. Art can be used to break down difficult information into narratives that are more digestible for the wider community to consume. This is especially important because climate knowledge can be very dense and full of jargon. The second is to engage the heart. What are the emotional barriers that drive or impede us to take climate action? How do we feel about it? What kind of personal stories can we bring in to make it more relatable? How can we drive conversation around it by engaging the community in a way that is fun and participatory? And the last is to engage the soul. There is a Malay saying that goes, “Tak kenal maka tak cinta”, which translated into “You can’t love what you don’t know.” I’ve realized that one of the key reasons why, especially in Singapore, people don’t feel especially invested in climate action, is because our systems and urban environment are far removed from nature. Thus, art is an effective way to help people notice the beauty and joy of nature, and build a stronger connection with it. Using this 3 pronged method, art can be a holistic way to drive climate action.
What’s your take on climate optimism as an artist/artivist?
It’s constant practice! It’s hard to be an optimist all the time, but what I try to do is just to live in the present moment and know that I cannot control what happens in the future. Holding onto the faith that eventually it’ll be better, even if it’s not in my lifetime or in the near future.
Dorcas, apart from art and writing, do you have other hobbies?
Haha, my other hobbies are pretty boring, I love to watch shows and listen to music in my downtime. I especially love animations! My favorites are Wolfwalkers and Avatar the Last Airbender, for their takes on environmental and social issues. I also really love listening to artists like AURORA and Melanie Martinez because of the rawness of their music and the way it speaks to the human experience.
How do you try to practice sustainability in your regular life?
Trying as much as possible to say no to plastic! Although it is definitely really hard.
As an artist, ordering low quantities of merchandise and from sustainable sources as much as possible. Also making sure to reuse packaging or to avoid it entirely.
Taking public transport or walking most of the time!
Keeping up to date with climate news when I have the emotional capacity
Upcycling my old clothing, buying second hand or swapping
Educating others gently on sustainability
What is your favorite local food? Does climate change have any impact on it?
I love love love pork porridge. Although I would love to be, I am not vegan at the moment. But the impact of the meat industry in its contribution to climate change is something I think about often, so I am trying to reduce my consumption of it, and looking for alternatives that taste as good!
You have an e-book, “Happily, Ever After ?” – can you tell us a bit about it and how it explores eco-emotions?
“Happily, Ever After?” is a collection of poems centered around the emotions experienced in the midst of our long and grueling fight against climate change. Explored through familiar fairytale creatures and tropes, this collection seeks to acknowledge the intense feelings that one might experience, questioning if there is an end to our emotions in the uncertain fate of our homeland. And most importantly, the nagging question that sits at the back of our minds: Is there a ‘happily, ever after?’
What would your advice be to someone in the climate movement who feels hopeless and burned out?
Slow down. It’s ok to take a step back, and if taking climate action ends up negatively impacting your life, then that defeats the purpose of the movement too. Rest if needed, find community, and know that you are not alone.
My hope is that human and nature rights eventually become obvious to us, and our policies will reflect this shift in values. Embrace prioritizing care for one another as opposed to chasing extractive measurements of success. I think we can have more events where people in ASEAN can exchange stories with each other so that we can have a stronger sense of community and camaraderie with each other.
Who are your biggest inspirations?
Jacinda Ardern, leading the nation with both strength and kindness, being fiercely loyal to her values even with the current state of the political world, knowing where her boundaries are, and being brave enough to admit when she needs to step down.
Ms Mizah Rahman, one of the co-founders of Participate in Design. She was my teacher from polytechnic and I always looked up to her for her conviction in Building a more inclusive Singapore where every voice has a space to be heard, not just the experts.
Robin Wall Kimmerer and her love for the natural environment. Sitting with them and understanding each life for what they are. Recognizing them as fellow beings and being able to communicate eloquently that perfectly illustrates the beauty of nature. Admire her ethos and the way she is able to make nature and human rights sound obvious as if it should have been there the whole time.
Uncle Iroh from Aang the Last Airbender. Even though he was not the main protagonist of the series, he was always quietly supporting his nephew in unconditional love, even when he betrayed him. He knew where his values were and wasn’t afraid to stick by them, not in a way that’s necessarily overt, but in a way that’s gentle and kind.
What’s your mantra for life?
I don’t know if this will change anything, but I know it’s the right thing to do.
This is a part of a series where Green & Beyond Mag explores the stories and takes a peek at the lifestyles of incredible people like green entrepreneurs, innovators, climate advocates, activists, community leaders, and content creators, all around the world, who love the planet, and are working tirelessly to make the world a better place.
In a world where creativity meets climate consciousness, we are thrilled to present an exclusive interview with the exceptional artist and activist, Rick Frausto. With his captivating pen and ink drawings, Frausto has woven a tapestry of visual storytelling that transcends boundaries and inspires change. Join us as we delve into his artistic journey, exploring the profound impact of his work and the unwavering resilience it ignites within us all. From the majestic beauty of nature to the urgent call for climate action, Frausto’s art serves as a powerful reminder that sustainable living and creative expression can intertwine to shape a brighter future. Get ready to be captivated by his unique perspective, as we uncover the journey of the incredible artivist, Rick Frausto.
Rick, please tell us your backstory. How and why did you become an artist?
I began creating art as soon as I could get my hands on paints, mud, and anything that helped me express myself. The creative life is the only life I’ve ever known. For me, being an artist has been a calling rather than a career choice. As a young man, I began a formal practice starting with ceramics. From there it evolved into found object sculpture which was my focus for over two decades. In 2017 I embarked on a journey of full-time travel. That’s when I transitioned into pen and ink drawings.
Can you please tell us what inspires you to create your artwork?
Nature is my biggest inspiration. The word ART lies at the heart of our planet’s name – Earth. Trees have always been one of my favorite subjects. I’m also very inspired by the resilience of the human spirit and greatly admire those who possess the courage to stand up for what they believe in. Pop culture is a big influence too.
You have a very unique style of creating your artwork with pen and ink. Why did you choose this medium?
For over seven years, I was the Art Director for a company in Hollywood that required a daily commute. I decided to sell my car and use public transportation instead. Spending many hours each day on the train gave me a lot of time and the inspiration to start drawing again…something I’d done prior to getting into sculpture but had put on the back-burner. During that time, I did observational drawings daily. Initially, that’s how it started. The catalyzing moment, however, was when I was traveling with my uncle on a train from St. Louis to Chicago. I had my sketchbook with me as I always did. We were having a great conversation that led to this quote he remembered:
“There was an old owl, who lived in an oak.
The more he saw the less he spoke.
The less he spoke the more he heard.
Why can’t we all be like that bird?”
That quote was the first one I based a drawing around. It came about very spontaneously. When I was done, someone from across the aisle said, “I really like that drawing, keep it up!” That person was none other than Joan Haring, the mother of the legendary artist, Kieth Haring. How’s that for encouragement?!
I didn’t fully realize the power of using quotes in my drawings until September 2016, when I learned of the Native American protests at the Standing Rock reservation. I was moved to create something in response to the Water Protector’s heroic fight. That’s when I created the Native American Proverb drawing. I posted it on Instagram and went about my day. A few weeks later I started receiving messages from friends who reported they’d been seeing that drawing everywhere on social media. After some digging, I found that several celebrities had reposted it (without credit) which ultimately led to it going viral and becoming one of the iconic images of the No DAPL movement. It made me aware of the power of pairing a quote with an image, which led to the drawings that I’m best known for these days.
As an artivist, do you think different forms of art can play a significant role to motivate people to take action in their daily lives, especially now, when the climate crisis is getting intensified with every passing day?
Absolutely! I’ve seen and felt it deeply first-hand. I’ve had folks reach out to tell me how much my work has helped them see or understand a heavy subject in such a way that made them feel empowered rather than being in despair. The greatest gift I can give through my work at this moment is hope.
How do you think artists can collaborate to make the climate movement stronger and more fruitful?
My approach is to work with people and organizations that are aligned with my values when it comes to climate conservation. It feels good to be collaborating with those who are making a real impact. It’s all about action in the right direction.
What’s your take on climate optimism as an artist/artivist?
I do think we already know how to prevent things from getting worse and these are the very things that need support in order to change things for real.
Going back to the land, earth stewardship programs, listening to our native elders. Nature heals our mind, body, and soul. We have to protect it in order to protect ourselves and future generations.
Do you have a favorite piece of art of yours? Tell us about that.
My artworks are like my children, so it’s hard to say which one is my favorite.
All I can say is the one I’m currently working on is always my favorite at that moment. Each piece is a stepping stone to the next, so they really are all connected.
Who are your biggest inspirations?
I’m inspired by so many. Those who show true inner strength and courage in the face of unthinkable odds light my fire. Those who shine bright and lift up people make my heart sing. Those who show up and help those in need with no hesitation give me so much hope. Those who possess sacred knowledge and have the power to heal make me want to learn more. So many people inspire me.
To me, success is staying true to yourself and following your own path.
If you stick with it long enough you will meet the people you are meant to cross paths with and find out the things you need to know to make you happy.
This is a part of a series where Green & Beyond Mag explores the stories and takes a peek at the lifestyles of incredible people like green entrepreneurs, innovators, climate advocates, activists, community leaders, and content creators, all around the world, who love the planet, and are working tirelessly to make the world a better place.
Music is a magical form of art that has the power to touch souls. It has a way of connecting people, beyond language barriers and cultural differences. Music fosters a sense of belonging and community by enabling people to express themselves and engage with others on a deeper level. As we listen to music, we are taken to a world of emotions and feelings that can make us feel alive, bring us peace, or even inspire us to take actions.
And it’s not just people who create music. With its own distinctive sounds and rhythms, nature contributes to this symphony as well. Birds tweeting, leaves rustling in the breeze, and waves crashing on the shore: these natural sounds influence musicians and artists to produce music that captures the splendor and majesty of our planet.
Inanna, also known as Annalisa G. Dunker is one such musician who uses her art to promote environmental sustainability and inspire people to take action for the future of our planet. Through her soulful songs and fascinating videos, Inanna conveys a message of harmony and hope. She believes that music can be a powerful force for change, uniting people to safeguard the environment and build a better future for future generations.
In this exclusive interview, we speak with Inanna about her journey as a musician, her inspiration for writing about environmental issues, and how she envisions her music influencing the world for the better. So sit back, relax, and join us as we delve deeper into the world of Inanna and her music.
What inspired you to use your creativity and imagination in singing for the planet?
I moved here to Los Angeles in the summer of 2018, I knew that at that point I had a clean page that I could start again, in this city with many things that I am passionate about. It was actually very easy, kind of a quick-change, not only of life but of career in general.
Music-wise, I had done a lot of things before – I had been a singer before in several bands and projects, but I kind of felt I still needed to find my own voice. And this time, I really wanted to do it with something with a deeper meaning with something that I could really stand for.
So the project started because I moved here and I wanted to do something on my own – produce music on my own, find my own sound and my own real voice in the music and I wanted my music to have a specific message. In this case, it was speaking up for the environment and the future of nature, the future of animals and the whole planet. And so I simply decided to dedicate all my music to that.
I really felt I had to do it because in those times, especially in early 2019 with all the new protests and Greta Thunberg and all the movements that were appearing more and more, everywhere I felt I wanted to do more apart from just changing my daily habits, or do little modifications in my daily life. I really wanted to speak up and to contribute to a cultural change and I thought – “What’s better than to be able to change culture itself? ” And I thought that I would do it through music because it’s one of my skills and one of my passions and that’s how it happened.
So, I’ve been working on all these songs and all the imagery and products around it since 2019. 2019 was the time when my very first single that came out. It came out in May 2019.
What inspired you to take the name “Inanna” and what does that mean to you?
Inanna is the name of the Sumerian goddess of love and harvest but also war and justice. I thought, the name of a goddess is something timeless that would be good for this project because I want to give a timeless feel to my music. And also, I’m talking about such enormous topics and issues. I’m taking on this task of discussing the future of humans on the planet and the future of nature – the future in general. So I thought that maybe, only the name of a goddess could contain all that.
I think what I loved the most in Inanna is her duality as a goddess figure. I felt it really fit with this project because on one hand with this music, I’m trying to invite people into a possible world where things are done better, where we reach a higher place, a better place in our relationship with animals and nature. But on the other hand there is witnessing and acknowledging everything that is happening and everything that we’ve done.
So there is this dual thing of the need for love and togetherness and connection and work all together but also the rage and the sadness for everything that unfortunately humans have done to the planet and animals. So I really thought it was a perfect match. I also liked that the name contained part of my birth name, which is Annalisa and this “Inanna” had a little bit of a part of me too, so I feel that Inanna is kind of an amplified version of myself.
Do you think art – different forms of art, can play a significant role to motivate people to take actions in their daily lives, especially now, when the climate crisis is getting worse with every passing day?
I think that all art forms and music in particular, play an enormous role in cultural and social change. Arts have an incredible power to bring people together to inspire collectivity. They have the power to speak to conscious and unconscious layers of ourselves. And that’s why in many people at many times and all points in time, they have the capacity to create these moments inside a person where you understand something in a much deeper way, in a way that only a piece of art can make you see or understand. So, I have a deep respect for all artists who are using their skills and their capacities and their tools to speak up for the things that we should definitely change, revise, redefine.
Another factor that is very important when it comes to Arts is their kind of ritualistic power, specially with music. Not only they bring a group of people together but all the people get to feel something together at the same time and even if it’s different, maybe from person to person but there is something in common, like a common ritual and I love ritualistic events because I always say – “Rituals are made to get one person into the ritual as a person and then when they go out of the ritual, they actually go out as someone else because the ritual actually does something to you”. And I feel that is exactly what I’m trying to do with my music and I feel that’s what the Arts should do, to really make you feel different after you experience that piece of art.
How can artists collaborate to make the climate movement stronger and more fruitful?
Artists can collaborate in so many different ways. I have seen it lately especially from the very beginning of this second big wave of the environmentalist movement that is growing and growing – I have seen so many organizations, associations, platforms, digital platforms and artistic endeavors being born in the last three and a half years. At the beginning of 2019, I thought I was maybe one of the only ones that were doing this – as a musician. But I’ve seen so many things happening since then and artists can definitely find so many ways to collaborate in events where they can do things together, support each other, uplift each other, help each other.
So, what I do personally is really try to stimulate and give a further impulse to gatherings like, really doing things together, whether it is an event where we talked or there is an artistic community coming together for a concert, or maybe I’ve been getting in touch with a lot of other organizations to see if we can do something together. I think, especially in these times, uplifting each other and togetherness is one of the most important things we can do. We should not see each other as competing artists or competing organizations. Because we’re really talking about the future of everything, the future of our soul. And if there’s something that we all have in common is this home, this planet and we must take care of it together.
So what I definitely recommend to all artists, entrepreneurs who are speaking up for the future of the planet and working for the future of the planet – “Get in touch to try to do things together. You’re not alone. There are so many other people doing the same and together, you’re stronger together. Together is much better.”
What do you think are needed as ingredients of a song that can create that can inspire change?
I don’t want to talk about the ingredients to make a perfect commercial song, that works for sure in a radio context or in a TV show context. To me, what really matters is speaking to two different levels in a person. Like if you have a catchy song, that’s great because it’s already the first element that will get to someone, but if that song already has a message that’s even better. And from that message, if you have different layers that will touch and communicate to different people – that’s even better. I think it’s about making it really broad and generous.
I think with the meaning you really want to try to communicate something from who you are from an authentic place. I always try to write from who I am and what I really think. I never write thinking – “Oh what is going to make people feel good or what is going to sell?” I always try to be as authentic as possible and I think that’s the best ingredient that you can put in any piece of art, for sure.
Polluters have surely lost the empathetic connection with nature, and we believe that your songs have the power to mend that connection which might make them take a stand on the right side. How do you plan to get your music to reach them?
As I was saying, the way I am trying to reach people wherever they are in life and wherever they are in the world and whatever historical experiences they have is to try to meet them where they are and to simply invite them to another view, another way of seeing things, I really think it’s important not to impose certain views.
Because we don’t know where other people come from and their past experiences and their life history. So I think one element is to be able to invite someone into something you deeply believe, as you know, your life mission and you think it’s really important for everyone. And for the future is to try to invite with generosity and invite with a smile and always try to make people try to feel what you feel like.
I really want to gather people around me, through a sense of understanding and empathy. I don’t want to blame even if I know it’s hard because we get very angry sometimes, especially environmentalists or animalists, we always think – “Oh my goodness, this is never gonna get fixed. How can some people do this? And they don’t see it.” Of course, I have those moments too and we all have, but I don’t think it’s the most effective way to invite people to what we consider the right side. I think you always have to meet people where they are and understand the enormous complexity of certain systems.
So, I think that it should always start from a place of compassion and empathy, you should always try to meet everyone where they are at, even if you know, that certain people or organizations are actively working against the future of nature and everything, we know of this planet, but the reality is so incredibly complex that the best way we have, probably, the only way we have is to try to invite always through compassion and understanding.
What’s your take on climate optimism as an artist and an activist?
I have to say that it gets very hard at times to be optimistic. Because even if I am constantly surrounded by incredible communities of environmentalists and animal rights activists that make me feel that everything is possible – that we are changing the world conversation by conversation, little by little, song by song, but at the same time you also see the tendencies and what’s going on in the world every day, it’s tough to see that a lot of things are not changing at all. But I always tell myself, – “Should I just give up because I don’t see the change that I want to see? And in the time frame that I want to see it?”
I know what I stand for and I know what I believe in. I am dreaming of a future where nature is always considered in every decision of society and economy. I’m dreaming of a society where animals are not exploited anymore, and are not mistreated anymore. And it’s a society that I acknowledge. I don’t acknowledge animals as other beings that live here on Earth with us and not for our own benefit for us.
So, I’ll just keep working for that, and I know that, even if the changes are not as fast as I would like them to be, changes are definitely happening. And that’s what keeps me optimistic. Because I see that change happening around me every day, even in the arts.
Where do you think “spirituality” stands with art and activism? Do you think that understanding “spirituality” is important to feel more environmentally empathetic?
Yeah, definitely. There is a kind of spiritual element in my songs. To me, it translates into something very simple, which is a feeling of reverence. To me that’s what spirituality is in general. It’s this feeling of reverence towards everything that is alive towards the beauty, amazing, incredible wonders, that this planet has, this incredible biodiversity of all animals, all earthlings. The feeling of reverence when you really see that and take that in is automatically spiritual to me. And that’s the feeling of rediscovered awe, that I would like to transmit through my songs and through the imagery and everything that I’m trying to do. So I guess it’s just that big feeling of awe and reverence towards the Earth and all Earthlings.
Tell us about your favorite song and why it’s your favorite.
It’s difficult because I’m very attached to several of the songs, of course, on different levels, and for different reasons. But I think that if I had to choose one, I think I would still choose “Change” which came out last year for Earth Day.
I think mostly because it’s the one that probably sums up the whole Inanna style among all the other songs. Because it’s got a powerful message, it’s got a little bit of the rage, it’s got a hopeful message of togetherness and coming together for something, it’s got a little bit of Middle Eastern hint – which is something that I do. I feel it’s a song that really summarizes a lot of what Inanna is. So I think I would still pick that one. Yeah, it’s definitely “Change.”
Who are your biggest inspirations?
People that have inspired me and that keep inspiring me – I have to say, one of the first ones that really made an impact was Charlie Chaplin and it all started because of my grandfather who was very passionate about him and all his movies. This may have got nothing to do with the environmental movement but I loved the fact that he had such a clear vision for everything that he did. His movies and everything was almost made by him single-handedly. I simply admire that all his art was really his fruit, like his product from top to toe because it was really coming from an authentic place of who he was and what he believed in.
Other inspirational figures, definitely all the current environmentalists that are doing so much for the planet. I always loved Jane Goodall – absolutely a hero of mine. I really admire what Leonardo DiCaprio is doing. I really hope to meet him at some point. I really admire all the work he’s doing and all the documentaries that he is funding.
Knowledge is power – when we know, when we’re aware of things, we can choose better, we can do better. So every artist that really takes time and spends resources in spreading knowledge, I have a very, very big admiration for them.
Another person I really admire that I have had the honor to meet lately is Maggie Baird. She’s the founder and president of “Support and Feed” an organization that I love. Maggie is Billie Eilish’s mother. She’s been working so hard to promote the plant-based equitable food system. And I really hope her organization will grow more and more because it’s really fantastic what they’re doing.
What’s your mantra for life?
I don’t know if it’s actually a mantra for life but I love to sign my newsletters and my messages to my fans and people that know the Inanna project with this little sentence – “A hand is a paw is a fin is a wing. – Inanna.”
This is a part of a series where Green & Beyond explores the stories and takes a peek at the lifestyles of incredible people like green entrepreneurs, innovators, climate advocates, activists, community leaders, and content creators, all around the world, who love the planet, and are working tirelessly to make the world a better place.
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